A DWP worker with 42 years in the job has spilled the beans on how to tackle the tricky benefits system. The ex-DWP guru, who’s dedicated a lifetime to the sector, is dishing out insider tips to help claimants glide through the process.
The number of people claiming disability support like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance is shooting up. Fresh stats from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show a leap to 3.6 million claimants on PIP and over 1.6 million pocketing Attendance Allowance.
With this uptick, the former DWP worker with decades in State Pensions and benefits is telling newbies to “keep a copy of the claim form they submit”. And that’s a move that could be a game-changer when it’s time to reassess their award.
And there’s advice too for the tech-savvy claimants. When using online systems to apply for PIP (depending on where you live) and the Attendance Allowance (which has a weekly limit), it’s a smart move to save a digital copy on your computer or laptop.
For those sticking to the old-school paper trail, the advice is to make a photocopy of your forms before sending them off. And if you’re missing your crucial PIP 2 evidence form – that’s the health questionnaire filled out pre-assessment – you should give the PIP enquiry line a bell at 0800 121 4433 to pick up a copy.
Getting your hands on this crucial document is key for any upcoming PIP reviews, especially if you’re set to transition to the Social Security Scotland system by the end of 2025. The form acts as a handy record of your original responses to questions about daily living and mobility, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Even more importantly, it gives you the chance to explain how your condition affects you now, particularly if your health has deteriorated or new problems have cropped up, according to the Daily Record. The DWP expert explained: “With PIP, and in some cases Attendance Allowance, the claim is allowed for a certain period of time before it is reviewed, so it is handy to know what you put down on the original claim form.”
She shared a story where having a copy of the initial claim was a major help: “One lady I helped with her PIP claim, I got her to keep a copy of her original claim, which made it easier for her to complete her PIP review form when the time came. Your medical condition can sometimes change from the date you submitted your original claim.”
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For those eyeing Attendance Allowance, the specialist’s tip was clear. “It is advisable to get all your medical evidence sorted out before you start completing the form,” she said.
This nugget of wisdom is worth bearing in mind given the detailed nature of the application process. The expert also shed light on the benefits of preparing medical history documentation and key dates for any appointments or operations in advance.
She said: “Once you have catalogued your medical history required for the claim you are halfway there.” But the old hand warned against trying to tackle the paperwork all at once.
She said: “Do not try and complete the form in one sitting, as it can be mentally draining.” And she hammered home the need to retain a copy of the original benefits claim form.
She said this is vital to make sure you “do not give any conflicting evidence when it comes to a review, which may give DWP reason to scrutinise your case further.” She added: “Also if your claim is disallowed by DWP and you seek help over this, the person looking at your case can see what you have put on the original form as to why it might have been disallowed.”
Successful PIP claimants could find themselves pocketing £28.70 to £184.30 weekly, translating to a handy sum of £114.80 to £737.20 every four weeks. Attendance Allowance hopefuls with successful new claims stand to gain either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) weekly, making for a neat monthly package ranging from £290.60 to £434.20.